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Unravelling the Nexus of Beach Litter and Plant Species and Communities Along the Mediterranean Coasts: A Critical Literature Review
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This critical literature review of Mediterranean beach litter found that while 103 studies documented marine litter presence on Mediterranean coasts, only 18 examined its relationship with psammophilous (sand-dwelling) plant species and communities. The review identifies a significant knowledge gap and calls for standardized assessment protocols to better understand and protect these specialized, ecologically important coastal plant communities from litter impacts.
Beach litter, an anthropogenic and hazardous component, can interact with psammophilous plant species and communities. These are particularly prominent in the Mediterranean Basin, renowned for its highly specialized and unique flora but recognized as one of the areas that is globally most severely affected by marine litter. To provide a comprehensive picture and outline possible future directions, data on beach litter in the Mediterranean coastal ecosystems were collected through a bibliographic research. Overall, 103 studies investigated the presence of beach litter on the Mediterranean coasts, of which only 18 considered its relationship with psammophilous plant species and communities. Our research highlights that this topic is rather underexplored in the Mediterranean Basin and the need to develop a standardized protocol for the assessment of beach litter that can be applied consistently across different beaches and countries. Information collected through a standardized protocol might improve the management and conservation strategies for these fragile ecosystems.
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Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.